Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 18

This stage of the war was dangerous and fateful for Iran's Islamic Revolution. This was because the country was not militarily, politically, or economically prepared to enter the battlefield; moreover, the military blow that Iraq suddenly inflicted on Iran was relatively severe. Despite the fact that Iran lost a number of its cities and villages, and vast areas of its territory were occupied by Iraqi forces, the Iranian defenders managed to prevent the fall of important cities such as Ahvaz, ...

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 17

Soldier doctors took turns going from the aid center to the "P" Headquarters of the 20th Brigade, so that they could play a part in providing medical assistance. They did not go there voluntarily; nevertheless, they enjoyed both material and spiritual benefits. When we argued with them, they would boast about the achievements of the Ba’athists and pretend to be patriotic, self-sacrificing, and devoted.

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 16

Time passed slowly. We were still busy treating sick soldiers, malingerers, and the wounded, telling jokes, and listening to radio news. Although the winter season had arrived, our forces continued around the clock to asphalt the communication roads between the units deployed at the front and their supply centers in “Nashweh.” They also decided to build several ammunition and food depots in the Joffeir area, hoping to make use of them in exceptional circumstances.

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 15

In late October 1980, Mobile Medical Unit Eleven was divided into two sections. The administrative section remained in the village of Neshveh under the command of the unit commander, Captain Ehsan al-Heidari—who had recently been transferred to the unit from Al-Rashid Military Hospital—while the technical section, together with medical and relief personnel and their equipment, was deployed in the Jofeir area inside Iranian territory.

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 14

On October 26, 1980, an order was issued regarding my departure to the “P” Headquarters of the 20th Brigade. I set out in a military jeep and drove along the asphalt road leading to Ahvaz, which passed by the Hamid Garrison. I stopped briefly to observe the destroyed railway station and the adjacent restaurant. After a few kilometers, the destroyed “microwave” station on the right side of the road caught my attention.

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 13

I spent several days in that desolate wasteland, and during that time, out of fear of Iranian aircraft, not a single bite went down my throat easily. During that period, I became acquainted with Lieutenant Colonel Rahman, an officer from the city of Diwaniyah. He was a dignified and enlightened man, yet at the same time strictly bound by rigid military regulations, as he was in command of the brigade headquarters.

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 12

I fell silent for a moment. Oh God, what should I do? On one hand, these people were opposing me, and on the other hand, he was a Muslim and wounded. I was at a loss. Should I stand by and watch him die? Finally, I broke the silence and said to them, "We bear a humanitarian responsibility. This man is wounded and needs our assistance. This man is wounded and needs our assistance. Moreover, he is a prisoner and likely possesses information that could be useful to our forces."

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 11

In late September 1980, I was monitoring real-time reports on our forces’ activities in the village of Nashweh. Each passing day saw an increase in our wounded and dead due to ground assaults, airstrikes, and guerrilla operations by popular forces. The first attack by the Iranian army against our forces occurred on September 29, 1980, carried out by a brigade of the 92nd Armored Division.

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 10

The members of the mobile medical unit were sitting under the shade of tree branches. Despite being very hungry, they were no longer willing to ask for food from them. We consoled ourselves with jokes. At that moment, I noticed my friends staring at something that had fallen on the ground. I went toward that suspicious object. It was a piece of fancy bread that had fallen out of the supply vehicle and was covered in dust.

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 9

On September 25, 1980, along with Dr. "Naeem Abd Salman," at the head of a medical team, we set out for the command headquarters of the 20th Brigade to provide assistance. It was 4:00 PM when we drove toward the border in two vehicles carrying six passengers and a military jeep as our guide. We traveled along a rough dirt road and after 40 minutes reached the vicinity of the border point.